Macroglossia

Definition

Macroglossia is a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal.

Information

Macroglossia is usually caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor.

This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including:

• Acromegaly
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Lymphangioma/hemangioma
• Mucopolysaccharidoses
• Primary amyloidosis